Monday, December 30, 2013

Southwind Farm and family had a wonderful Christmas holiday! Jenny, Sheri's daughter, welcomed a new family member to the Southwind crew...meet Walter:

How cute is he?

Also, Spike got to model his Christmas jammies for everyone:

On another note, with 2014 only two days away, we wanted to share with you the Top 10 Rider Resolutions for the new year, as polled by Horse Listening.com. Do you have any resolutions as a rider? What about goals for your horse in 2014?

10. Use your outside rein more and don't pull on the inside rein (do your best to keep the horse “straight”).

9. Follow the horse’s back with your back and keep supple (aka ride “with” the movement).

Monday, December 23, 2013

Southwind Farm would like to wish all of our clients and friends a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for being part of the Southwind family. We are looking forward to another great year in 2014 with lots in store for the farm, the horses and of course our clients.

Monday, December 16, 2013

You know the holidays are here and Christmas is coming when students return home from college for winter break. We are thrilled that Addie, daughter of Southwind's owner Sheri, has returned home from her first semester at West Virginia University! We are happy to see her home and around the barn again.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Hope you all are staying safe out there! Yesterday, we experienced our first real snow storm of the winter. We got around five inches of snow followed by ice. YUCK!! All the horses were tucked in safe and warm. Thankfully, since we have an indoor arena, riding will continue on. However, we remind everyone to stay safe and keep their horse's safety first in this icy mess!

Here is a quick photo from yesterday to show some of the accumulation:

Stay warm! And remember, Southwind is always looking for new boarders to join our family!

Monday, November 25, 2013

Did anyone happen to catch the snow flurries we got here in Maryland on Saturday night? How about the freezing cold wind combined with temperatures leaving us with a 7-degree windchill on Sunday? Well, hopefully you weren't caught trying to ride in the cold!! But if you were, have you considered boarding somewhere with an indoor? If you haven't, check out this great article by blogger, Mitzi Summers on riding in the wintertime. It highlights many of the indoor benefits but also has a comical spin on what we all know about trying to ride outside during the winter months.

Enjoy!

RIDING IN THE WINTER

Tips and Exercises to Keep You and Your Horse Active

By Mitzi Summers

Every fall it was always the same resolution for me-no matter how bad the winter was,I would not succumb to it’s vagaries and find myself merely feeding and grooming my horse all winter and giving him a vacation. No indeed, I would don my snowmobile suit, put ice caulks on my horse if necessary, and snow plow a track around my outdoor ring. Truth be told, however, when the temperature hovered around 17 degrees and the footing was less than perfect, I found myself more often than not inside my house READING about people riding while my horse not always so contentedly munched away on his hay.

Realistically, it is not just a case of “cowboying up” when rough weather comes. Conditions do change drastically for all animals, including the human type, in our Northeast, and we need to accommodate these changes while still trying to work with our equine partners. Some horse owners are quite content to wait out all of the bad weather and start again in the early spring, but for many of us, especially the riders who are dedicated to improving themselves and their horses, the change to severe weather can indeed be a bit troubling.

We will investigate the best case scenario first, (unless you and your horses winter in Florida), that you have access to an indoor ring. Indeed, many stables with indoor rings in our area find themselves on waiting lists every year for people wanting to board in the winter. If you have just moved into this area, be cautious about taking for granted that you will be able to do that-to board your horse at a less expensive stable in the spring, summer, and fall, and then move to a place that has indoor facilities in the winter. Many barns have full-time boarders for just that reason-so that they can save a spot for their horse when the inclement weather comes.

Of course with an indoor your riding is not limited to good weather. You may have to contend with a more crowded ring in which to ride, however, so be sure you check out any rules that that barn has about riding with others. There is usually a “left shoulder to left shoulder” rule when passing. Some barns post times when there are lessons, and boarders are not allowed to ride at those times. Many other stables, however, are more lenient, and will allow you to ride during lessons as long as you abide by their rules. These rules may be that you ride in the same direction of the lesson, that you cannot lunge your horse during a lesson, and that you ask permission before you canter or jump.

I once had the questionable authority to ask the world-famous Katie Monahan Prudent to leave the ring during the winter when she was riding her pony Milltown. She was schooling with just a halter bareback while one of my lessons was going on. Of course this GREATLY dates me, as she was a teenager. But even though the indoor ring was enormous, 150’x 250’, we had a rule in effect that during a lesson riders not in the group had to ride with a bridle and a saddle. It was for safety, as it is a bit more likely that if a rider has a problem, they will generally pose more of a safety risk if they are not using tack.

Lungeing can also present a safety problem. If the horse pulls away from the handler, then it is trailing a lunge line behind it if it runs. Also, people have a tendency to lunge their horses in cold weather to settle them. This is fine, but obviously must be done properly and with control, not as a means of chasing the horse about to “get the bucks out“.

In several dressage barns in Europe when I am over there teaching, lungeing in the indoor ring is prohibited. They take great care of the footing in their rings. They have many top level expensive horses there, and do not want to take a chance if someone lunges and allows the horse to make ruts or holes in the footing.

Proper etiquette is important. For example, you may want to practice a few runs on your barrel horse. You have already made certain that there are no lessons in the ring. But you must notice who else may be in the ring. If it is someone on a young or green horse, you will at the very least tell them what you have in mind and get their permission, or wait until they take a break and possibly bring their horse to a corner of the ring. I remember once riding a young Thoroughbred stallion off the racetrack for the first time in an indoor ring. I had heard a trailer pull up outside. All of a sudden three riders entered galloping, swinging ropes around, practicing for a gymkhana coming up. Let’s just say that the next ten minutes were very interesting for me! Of course, before entering the ring, they should have checked to be certain of the conditions inside. But these should be rules established by the owner of the stable, and management should make it clear that these rules are to be obeyed.

Another thing to be careful of is the use of your voice when riding. Some riders have acquired the annoying habit of ‘clucking “ to their horses almost constantly. This is not correct for several reasons; the first is safety. If someone is riding a nervous horse, the clucking noise may be enough to cause it to bolt. This is also true when riding in any ring including practice rings before a show. Another reason not to let this become a habit is that the horse will become accustomed to that particular sound and become desensitized. I like to save my “clucks” for more important occasions such as if your horse thinks of refusing at a fence, or not going across a stream, or is thinking of backing up or rearing.

In most stables, it is required for anyone entering the ring to ask permission. This is for several reasons, but it is a safety rule. Someone may be just about to go by the door, or there may be a nervous horse or rider having problems. The door opening may accelerate the situation. Someone may also be coming toward the door from a line of barrels or jumps. In many stables, before you enter, either with or without your horse, it is just necessary to shout “Door!” and wait for permission to enter. One barn where I recently taught had a pleasant- sounding doorbell installed. I liked this very much. It was always the same sound, and was easily heard.

However, the majority of horse owners will not have access to an indoor ring for the winter. Your riding and training will obviously be curtailed, but there are things to do which will enable you to not lose several months of training and work every winter. Footing is of the utmost consideration. The worst case is ice, and also ice under snow which is not easily noticed. Your farrier does have several options to help you, but they also have their limitations.

Small bits of carbide steel named borium can be used on the heel and toe of a shoe. These can be used along with convex shoes made which prevent “snow balling”, snow that cakes in the horse’s feet. This condition makes it very difficult for the horse to have safe footing. Years ago, and still now in parts of Europe, farmers using horses in winter clean out the hoofs with alcohol and then use heavy grease to cover the sole and frog area. I knew a farrier in Montana who would use borium shoes without pads. He would spray something called Varath on the hoof. It resulted in a slick, semi-hard surface that snow did not stick to. For the plastic to stick properly, alcohol is used to clean the hoof and then dried before the Varath is applied. Then the hoof is dried on a smooth flat surface. This will probably last for three days, but it is a lot of trouble to go to if you are only using your horse lightly.

Of course winter is also an excellent time that horsemen regularly “rest” a horse’s feet from shoeing. This all depends on the condition of your horse’s feet and the amount and type of riding that you are doing, but horses often do quite well going “barefoot” in the winter. Indeed, there are many educated people advocating that horses are allowed to always go without metal on their feet.

To see the original article, click here: http://www.mitzisummers.com/riding_in_the_winter.htm

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

We wanted to let you know, it's not too late to secure your spot at Southwind for the upcoming winter time! Although the weather has been very mild lately, colder days are coming! Don't fight riding on frozen ground, or in the bitter cold. Come board at Southwind Farm where you can have direct access to an indoor arena so your riding can continue all winter long! We are located in Damascus, Maryland just outside of DC and Frederick and you will find that our boarding rates are very competitive. We are always looking to open the doors to fresh faces, so please, check us out: http://southwindfarminc.com/

Monday, November 11, 2013

The farm had a nice time at the tack swap & sale this past weekend. Sadly, there weren't as many shoppers considering all the wonderful tack and items we had! We will definitely be doing another one next year, so stay tuned!

In some more exciting news, Southwind's riders did very well at The Maryland Horse Trials Starter Trials #3 this weekend. Jen Martin riding Cally were 3rd and Izzy Heemskerk riding Nicki finished in 9th. In Virginia, Amy Holt riding Harper rocked it at the Swan Lake jumpers show. Way to go everyone!! We are very proud!

Also, we are having a Fix A Test dressage clinic with Lisa Cox on Saturday at Southwind Farm ! A few spots still open if you are interested get in touch with Susan Lauffer right away!

Monday, November 4, 2013

This past week, riders from Southwind competed at Waredaca's starter fall horse trials. The weather was gorgeous despite some strong winds. Southwind's owner, Sheri, competed her sale horse Stormy in the Beginner Novice Horse division and finished in 8th place with a dressage score of 42.50. Stormy was brave and wonderful at the event, acting like an old pro! Way to go Sheri & Stormy! And remember, he is for sale so if you are interested, or know someone looking, please check him out. He is a wonderful horse that will make a great partner for someone: http://www.dreamhorse.com/show_horse.php?horse_id=1903118

Also, Lisa Austin competed her Thoroughbred, CMA Lookndownthebarrel, aka "Woody," in the Novice Rider division and WON on their impressive dressage score of a 29.10. Nice job Lisa!!

Monday, October 28, 2013

It's official! Ari finished his first year of Training level without one stop in show-jumping or cross-country this past weekend at the Waredaca Farm Horse Trials. Sheri and Ari competed in a very competitive Training division and ended up finishing in 8th place with a dressage score of 34.1. Way to go Sheri & Ari! This has been a great season for both of you, and we are very proud!

Monday, October 14, 2013

The rain has finally stopped and the sun is trying to peek out from behind the clouds. Hang on Damascus, Maryland, we may have a sunny week ahead!!

Today we would like to share a blog recently written by Southwind's owner, Sheri. She occasionally writes a blog for The Surrey Saddlery who is one of Sheri's sponsors. (You can check out The Surrey here: http://thesurreysaddlery.com/)

Anyways, we would love to share this great blog post with you entitled 'On the AECs and Where is Toga???' Enjoy!

Monday, October 14, 2013

On the AECs and Where Is Toga???
Well our trip to Texas was a great success. Ari didn't place, but he jumped the best he ever has. I'd say that this was the hardest Training level cross country course I've ever ridden, as it should have been, almost a move-up Prelim course. Questions Ari had never seen before he took in stride and all with a smile on his (and my) face. GOOD fun. After two days on the road, the third day ride was the best all week. He felt amazingly loose and forward. Every day after that was different, ending with Ari as a slug on dressage day, and me unprepared for it with a too short warm up and no whip. At any other show I would have said "eh, that was OK" but this one I wanted some flash. I wanted what he does when he wins the dressage. But I didn't get it, so we started at the bottom. At least I'm used to that :) But it wasn't sooo bad I was definitely more disappointed in the score than the horse.

Like I said, cross country was challenging and fun. It was HOT down there so we were lucky to go early in the morning. The start was delayed because of the sun in our eyes (they didn't know that was going to happen???????????) and they had to redecorate the ditch and wall because we couldn't see it in the morning light (they didn't know that was going to happen????????) . So after a lot of milling around and hurry up and waiting we were off over a true championship course. Kudos to the AECs this year for providing what was, for me, the first championship level course I've ridden at a championship. Thank you.

Show jumping was like being at Wellington (I was told) it was a GORGEOUS course with some of the most ornate standards I've ever seen. Very nice, flowing course it rode so well and enabled directionally impaired riders like me to navigate around without the fear of making a wrong turn, without making it too easy. Ari was quite impressed with the decorations and was a bit distracted at the first two fences, but after that he jumped like a big horse. I'm so proud and can't wait to share the video when I get it.

Overall, the AECs this year were fun, at a great venue, but I sure wish they would do it later in the year down there. There wasn't any shade, so watching the other divisions just about melted you. We were so lucky to have the BEST stalls on the property (NOT telling) with the most shade available all day. And Ann Adams and I had the BEST camping spot under a tree (also NOT revealing the location) If we go back we will for sure try to get those spots again. We'll see!

As Ari and I were traveling, Toga was home with his eye patch on. We are checking to see if his odd behavior is truly because of changes in his vision. Well, I know we should take time to make SURE, but I am SURE he is tortured by that vision issue. When I put on his eye cover, he instantly settles. No spooking, no anger. When I ride him, he is straight, confident, and only spooks off the eye he can see out of.. It's really strange. I didn't know what to expect, but I did think he would be a bit nervous about what was going on on his left side that he couldn't see. Oddly, it's like he just doesn't care. I jumped him last week and he was completely confident and went to the fences straight and quietly. Just jumped little stuff, but it was little stuff he had a meltdown about a few weeks ago.

So this means something has to be done about that eye. My main concern at this point may seem silly, but I wonder if horses know when they are different in appearance. If he doesn't have an eye, will he feel he is less beautiful than he is?? Will the other horses treat him strangely because he looks strange? I've seen them pick on horses with masks on, and watch them spook at little ponies on a daily basis. So they recognize different. Toga is a beautiful animal -who knows it - with a big ego. A bully already in the field, and grouchy to work around, I wonder if he will be more defensive if the others treat him differently. Remains to be seen, I guess, because I think the best option is to remove his eye. The surgery to try to fix it would involve three separate issues - removing the vitreal "junk", removing the cataract, and then lasering some holes in the front and back of the cataract (which I think they just take the inside out of it to start with) because of some thickness....it's pretty complicated and has been done so infrequently they can't even say what the odds are that it may work. That in itself is bad odds for me. Plus there is always risk of future issues with any surgery that leaves the eye intact. Removing it totally is the sad option, but the safest. I feel confident he will be a much more settled horse. The doctor said most horses come back to the level they were at - fine with me what ever he gets back to!!
(http://networkedblogs.com/Q28b2)

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Exciting news!! Southwind Farm is hosting a Tack Swap and Sale on Saturday, November 9, 2013. The event will be from 9am to 4pm and tons of fun! It's $10 for a space to sell your items and will be BYOT (Bring Your Own Table). Anyone who would like to sell items, please respond to Erika via email at ELJenkins39@gmail.com

Anything horse or farm related is welcome, and please spread the word and forward this email to all your equestrian friends! Southwind is of course, always open for farm tours and any boarding inquiries should contact Sheri at http://southwindfarminc.com/

Come out see the farm, and find some great deals on horsey stuff! Spread the word to your friends too! We hope to see you on November 9th!

Monday, October 7, 2013

Fall is officially here and you know what that means.... winter is coming!! For those of you who are tired of riding outside in the cold weather & wind, or frustrated when you can't ride because the ground is too hard, come board with us at Southwind and enjoy the luxury of an indoor arena!!

Southwind Farm currently has a few spots open for boarders this winter. Come join the Southwind family and enjoy riding all winter in Maryland!

Monday, September 30, 2013

Congratulations to Southwind's, Sheri Thornley, and her horse Ari for completing the Training Horse division at the AEC's in Tyler, Texas. Ari earned a 37.7 in dressage and put in a great test, went double-clear in cross-country, and only had two rails in stadium to finish 18th in a very competitive 20+ rider Training division. WAY TO GO!!!

From Sheri: "In his first full year of eventing Ari won three events, was second once, and placed well at his other events. He has completed his first national championship doing a SUPER job in all three phases. He has grown up so much this year I am SOOOO proud of him !!!"

We look forward to see what the future holds for this awesome horse and rider combination!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

This past weekend, Ari (& Sheri) placed fourth in the Open Training division at Seneca Valley Pony Club Horse Trials, winning the dressage, two rails in stadium and double clear on cross-country. Way to go Sheri and Ari!! Now, he is off to the American Eventing Championships next week in Tyler, Texas to compete in the Training Horse Division. BEST OF LUCK to this wonderful pair! You can watch for his results online. His show name is Azari.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Southwind Farm would like to welcome our two newest members, Bonnie (the miniature horse) and baby mule Brody. Aren't they adorable? We are thrilled to have them at Southwind and can't wait to see what adventures they get into. We now have official mascots!

Monday, August 19, 2013

Here at Southwind, we are big supporters of CANTER (Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses) and we wanted to let you know, there are only THREE DAYS LEFT to support Canter, with their online auction. If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to check it out! There are many great items up for bid and it goes to a great cause. There are also two entries to one of our upcoming Combined Tests/Jumpaloozas....don't miss out!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Two of Southwind’s newest boarders, Marina Miragliotta and Annika Stricker, spent last week showing at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia at the Lexington National “AA” USEF Rated Horse Show, one of the biggest USEF Hunter/Jumper/Equitation shows of the summer on the east coast and the site of the 2013 Virginia Horse Show Association Equitation Medal Finals.

Marina rode her 11 year old chestnut gelding, “Amaretto Gold,” known on the farm as “Joey”, and Annika rode her 12 year old grey TB Cross gelding, “Rocket Man”, known to friends as “Elton”. The girls showed on all four days from Thursday to Sunday, winning top ribbons all week in hunter and equitation divisions. Marina was the top equitation rider in her divisions all week, including a blue ribbon on Saturday in the Low Childrens/Adult Equitation class and a Championship in Sunday’s Equitation division. Annika won top ribbons in both Equitations and hunters, capping the week off with a Elton's Championship in Sunday’s Limit Hunter Division.

With the exception of a few rainy moments, the weather was good and not too hot for the week, and a fantastic time was had by both girls, as they competed and rooted on their barn mates who also showed all week. Both Marina and Annika lesson, train and show with trainers Michael and Emily Friedman of Finer Points Farm in Mount Airy.

Monday, August 5, 2013

We thought we would share some photos of our unofficial Southwind mascot, Spike, to boost your Monday afternoon. Enjoy! He is quite a character and as you can see, he lives the very "hard life" of a horse show dog.

PS- If you are looking for a new place to board, come join the Southwind family! We are currently accepting applications for new boarders of all breeds and disciplines. Contact Sheri for more information.

Monday, July 29, 2013

We wanted to let you all know, there is an open spot for a new boarder at Southwind. We are looking to expand our growing Southwind Family, and welcome all breeds of horses! Are you looking for a new place for your horse in Montgomery County, MD? Want somewhere that is low-key yet gives your horse the best of care? We are conveniently located in Damasucs, MD, not too far from Washington, DC, Frederick, and Baltimore. If interested, or to find out more about our facilities, you can check out our website here. We look forward to meeting you and your horse!

Monday, July 22, 2013

As most of you know, yesterday we hosted our 2nd Combined Test/Jumpalooza show...and let me tell you, what fun it was! We got just enough rain on Saturday evening to make the footing absolutely perfect, and the weather held up all the way until the end of the day yesterday! We had a great turnout and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. We even had some individual winners who were proud to display their ribbons, trophies, and in one case...a tiara!! Thanks again to everyone who helped make this show possible! We look forward to the next one!

Southwind Farm

Congrats to Emily for winning this elegant trophy for the Best Seat award

Congratulations to June Dickinson & Gin for winning our special division, the Novice Jumpalooza

Congrats to Traci Melvin for winning the DQ tiara for her Freestyle ride

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

We at Southwind hope you are enjoying your week so far. The farm has been busy preparing for our second show this summer, another combined test/jumpalooza, to be held this Sunday, July 21st. If you didn't register in time, or aren't sure what a jumpalooza is, we would still like to invite you to come out, see the farm, meet some of the staff and have a great time while learning something!!
Also, there are a few boarding spots available, so if you are looking for a new place for your horse, come out Sunday and see the facilities in action!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Happy Monday Everyone!! We are excited to announce that we will be holding another Combined Test/Jumpalooza show on July 21st. Spread the word and sign up early to reserve your spot! The last one we recently held was tons of fun. Don't miss out! You can find the entry form HERE.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Southwind Farm is staying very busy these days and lots of activities have been happening at the farm, with our boarders, and with Sheri Thornley, Southwind's owner.

This past weekend, Southwind held a Combined Test/Jumpalooza show which was a huge success! There was a great turnout and everyone had a blast! Riders competed in dressage, show jumping and a mix of show jumps and cross-country fences. What a great time had by all! Special thanks to Erika Jenkins, Coltin McBain, Michael Gardner, Luis Aristondo, and Susan Lauffer for all their help! Stay tuned for Southwind's next CT/Jumpalooza show!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

This past weekend, Sheri Thornley, owner of Southwind traveled to Seneca Valley Pony Club Horse Trials with her horse Toga. They competed in the Open Preliminary division and did very well finishing in 3rd place!! Way to go Toga! They would have finished on his dressage score of 34.30 however, he had one minor time fault out on cross country. However, he jumped clean XC and Stadium which is a big accomplishment for Toga who is growing up and really starting to settle in! Once again, congratulations for a job well done!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Hi Everyone- Time is running out to sign up for our Combined Test & Jumpalooza event! Sign up now and reserve your spot! It's going to be a lot of fun and a great experience for those wanting to practice their dressage, stadium jumping, and a little bit of cross-country. Check out the News Page on our website for the entry form:

Monday, June 3, 2013

Lots of exciting things went on over this past weekend, besides the crazy thunderstorms!! On Friday, Sheri's daughter Addie graduated from high school. Congratulations Addie!! She will be heading to Delaware State University to ride on their Division 1 NCAA Equestrian Team. Southwind Farm couldn't be more proud of you Addie!

Sheri also had a big weekend competing at the Waredaca Horse Trials on Ari. They competed in his second-ever Training level competition and finished in 6th place! Way to go! He started out with a nice dressage score of 27.5, only had one rail in stadium, and was amazing out on cross country! He is really coming into his own and becoming a confident, " I got this!" type of ride. Congrats!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

This past weekend, the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA held the Virginia Horse Trials event.

Southwind's Sheri Thornley and her horse Toga did very well, having a clean, fast cross-country ride and only two rails in stadium. The pair finished in 8th place in a very competitive Open Preliminay division.

Sheri even said that "Two rails BUT absolutely the best round this year! Toga felt like a million bucks and was so easy to ride . I'm not sure why the rails but I am THRILLED with him!!" Awesome!

Also, congrats to Lisa Austin of Southwind and her horse CMA Lookndownthebarrel, for their 6th place finish in a large Training Rider division!! Way to go!